Friday, March 4, 2011

Vintage Maps: A Design Inspiration

If you've been following my blog you know that many of my posts deal with advice on what's hot to shop for when thrifting, and ways to incorporate your finds into your decor. One of my favorite design experiments had to do with educational pull down classroom maps. They're also called posters and vintage teaching charts.

The classroom teaching charts that I always look for have a science/nature-related theme. In my sun room I have a reference map for shells. It's one of my favorite things in my home.

You can see that it has been well-used.

The map became my stepping off point for the design in the room. The wall color and the fabric pick up the brown in the map. The coral prints in mirrored frames added the glam, the accent color,
and repeat the shell theme.

Again notice the repetition of the the shell theme with the shells in the vase and the colors brown and coral.

I recently found this smaller map version with mollusks. I'm noticing that many of these educational maps are from Germany. I haven't decided if I'll use this one in my home or sell it.

This next image is more of a science poster. It's definitely shabby, but I really liked the subject matter

and the illustrations.

This last image isn't even vintage, but I loved the art and the gold leaf. I have plans for this one.

As you can see, the science-related maps have greater appeal to me. I love them for their subject matter but also for their vibrant colors and design. Their large size really makes a statement.

Here are some other examples of nature-related pull down maps

that will surely make you want to own and display some in your decor.

Source for the vintage teaching charts' images that are not from my home here.

Put these maps on your decor trend shopping list. You can find them readily on e-bay under the pull down map category. Here are some (fuzzy) images of some I recently saw for less than $150 on e-bay. I'm also seeing them more and more in antiques shops too.

I would have never in a million years thought to look for these as decor. They are beautiful & add an instant touch of art. Glad I found you today via the Picket Fence! -dianehttp://www.sweeteuropeandreams.com

I really like those old roll ups, I have a Railroad map of the State of Washington hanging in our living room. I found mine last summer for $5. at a garage sale, can you believe it! It's in pretty good shape, too. Enjoyed seeing your science art and your suggestions for using it as decorating inspiration.

As I am a high school science teacher, I was especially interested in this entry. You have done a beautiful job with the shell poster. I have the whole roll of social studies maps, and a collection of old science lab equipment, but have not found a good setting for them yet. Pat

I love this idea! I found your blog at Between Naps on the Front Porch. You have such great ideas and I'm your newest follower! I'd love it if you'd follow me back: http://stillwaterstory.blogspot.com/

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